About Our Research

Our research is at the interface of polymer science, medicine, energy, and other advanced technologies areas. We study the underlying mechanisms of diseases including various cancers, and use nanotechnology to engineer better treatments and vaccines. We also focus on exploring new approaches to lithium ion and lithium air batteries, as well as the use of 3D printing to make medical devices. Central to our work is the PRINT nanoparticle fabrication technology invented in our lab, as well as the newly developed CLIP technology, a rapid 3D printing method.

The Latest News

Congratulations to Rima Janusziewicz, who successfully defended her dissertation on November 29th! Janusziewicz’s research centered on fundamentally understanding the fabrication mechanism and factors of resolution of the novel 3D printing platform, CLIP. Her dissertation, “Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) for the Fabrication of Porous Architected Structures,” […]

On November 9th, the National Science & Technology Medals Foundation hosted an evening with Professor DeSimone at Stanford University, where he discussed a range of topics including diversity and innovation in academia and industry. Prof. DeSimone was presented with the National Medal of Technology & […]

Congratulations to Jason Coffman, who successfully defended his dissertation on September 25th! Coffman’s dissertation focused on developing a covalently attached particulate subunit vaccine platform targeting the dengue virus. Particulate subunit vaccines attach a piece (subunit) of a pathogen to a nanoparticle, giving it the shape […]

Congratulations to Erin Wilson, who successfully defended her dissertation on September 28th! Wilson’s research focused on the development of precisely engineered inhalable protein formulations, which non-invasively deliver therapeutic proteins for both respiratory and systemic diseases. Her dissertation, “Developing PRINT Dry Powders for Pulmonary Protein Delivery,” […]

Congratulations to Cassie Caudill, who successfully defended her dissertation on September 28th! Caudill’s research focused on the development of microneedles, arrays of micron-scale needles that pierce the skin and facilitate the delivery of therapeutics through the skin in a minimally-invasive manner. Her dissertation, “Engineering Microneedles […]

Congratulations to Adam Quintanilla, who successfully defended his dissertation on September 25th! His dissertation, “Fundamentals of Particulate-Filled Polymer Composite via Continuous Liquid Interface Production,” focused on the effect of heterogenous phases (solid or liquid) within photocurable resin for the CLIP process. Quintanilla’s work used mechanical, […]

Congratulations to Cameron Bloomquist, who successfully defended his dissertation on September 28th! Bloomquist’s dissertation, “Continuous Liquid Interface Production of Medical Devices for Drug Delivery and Cancer Therapy,” explored how small molecule drug release can be controlled through design and formulation parameters such as device geometry, […]

Congratulations to Professor DeSimone, who has been named the winner of the 22nd Heinz Award in the Technology, Economy, and Employment category! The honor recognizes DeSimone’s achievements and leadership in multiple fields, including green chemistry, nanomedicine, and 3D printing. “By pursuing research paths at the […]

On April 18th Prof. DeSimone delivered The Fred Kavli Distinguished Lectureship in Materials Science at the 2017 Spring Meeting of the Materials Research Society (MRS). After the talk, titled “Future Fabricated with Light,” DeSimone sat down for an interview with MRS. Both the lecture and […]

Congratulations to Prof. DeSimone, who was presented this month with one of two 2017 Faculty Service Awards from the UNC General Alumni Association (GAA). Established in 1990, the award recognizes outstanding service by members of the faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel […]

UNC’s School of Medicine has highlighted a new paper published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases focused on a novel nanoparticle vaccine targeting dengue virus. Using the PRINT nano-molding technology invented in the DeSimone lab, the new vaccine demonstrates increased antibody responses against one of the […]

In a talk this month at Stanford University, Prof. DeSimone stressed how the innovation process can benefit significantly from the convergence of different disciplines and from an emphasis on human diversity when structuring problem-solving groups. These principles were discussed in the context of the progress […]

Congratulations to DeSimone lab graduate student, Cameron Bloomquist, who was selected as the winner of the Biomaterials category of the Triangle Student Research Competition (TSRC) on October 5th! Bloomquist’s poster, “Design and Fabrication of Biodegradable Drug-Eluting Devices Using the 3D Printing Technique Continuous Liquid Interface […]

Since the early stages of Prof. DeSimone’s career as a professor at UNC and NC State, he has consistently stressed the importance of diversity in team problem-solving, emphasizing the role of diversity in the process of innovation. This was the subject of his September 14th […]

Congratulations to Dr. Chintan Kapadia, who has been selected to receive an award for scientific engagement by the Gordon Research Conferences (GRC)! The award, for ‘most engaged person’ at the Drug Carriers in Medicine & Biology GRC in Waterville Valley, NH, recognizes Dr. Kapadia’s enthusiasm, […]

A new article published by the National Science & Technology Medals Foundation highlights the DeSimone lab’s research in the area of nanomedicine. Dr. DeSimone, a recent recipient of the National Medal of Technology & Innovation, is quoted in the article, which focuses broadly on how […]

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Absorb Bioresorbable Vascular System (BVS) for the treatment of coronary artery disease. It is the first and only fully dissolving, drug-eluting cardiac stent. In 2002, Dr. DeSimone made key contributions in developing materials for the […]

On Thursday, May 19th, Prof. DeSimone was presented with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony. The Medal recognizes DeSimone’s “pioneering innovations in material science that led to the development of technologies in diverse fields from […]

DeSimone lab member, Tojan Rahhal, was chosen by UNC’s Eshelman School of Pharmacy to be the student speaker at the School’s graduation ceremony on May 7th. Addressing fellow Pharmacy PhD recipients, PharmDs, and Master of Science students regarding future career paths, Rahhal emphasized the importance […]